Hi everyone! If you are looking for things to do with the family there is a lot going on this weekend in NYC!
This weekend join us at the 4th Annual Brooklyn Camp Expo at Williamsburg Northside Lower School to start planning your summer. Also this weekend check out ”LOS KIDS: “Rodgers & Hammerstein – Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’ ” at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, Bee Parks and the Hornets at Central Brooklyn Public Library, Bye Bye Birdie at The Mark O’Donnell Theater, Hatched Returns at The Ailey Studio Theater, Purim Community Celebration at JCC Brooklyn Clinton Hill, Read Across Brooklyn at Annex Brooklyn Public Library, Family Fun: Irish Dance at Mark Morris Dance Center, Zoom! Zap! Zow! A Superpower Celebration at Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Toddler Time: Shake, Rattle, and Read! at Mulberry Street NY Public Library, Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo Jazz For Kids Duo Series at National Sawdust, LC Kids: Michael & The Rockness Monsters at David Rubenstein Atrium, Drumfolk at The New Victory Theater, The Little Orchestra Society at Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Author Sunday Story Time: Joni w/Selina Alko at Powerhouse on 8th, Community Purim Carnival and Megillah Reading at Congregation Beth Elohim and Navroz with Aga Khan Ismaili Muslim Community of New York at Children’s Museum of Manhattan.
Don’t forget to check out the long running events like Survival: The Exhibition at NY Hall of Science, Alice in Wonderland at Puppetworks, Film Forum Jr. Matinee at the Film Forum, Ed Center in Brooklyn Bridge Park, The Industry City Ice Rink, T. rex: The Ultimate Predator at American Museum of Natural History and Take A Closer Look—At Spring! in Prospect Park Zoo.
These are just some of the weekend events so check the calendar to see everything going on. I would also suggest checking venue websites for updates on event changes before heading out the door. Also like us on Facebook for last minute events and updates.
Keep washing those hands and change your clocks!
~ Deirdre (mom to O & C)
Friday March 6th
Read Across Brooklyn at Annex Brooklyn Public Library (DUMBO)
Friday March 6th 10-1045a. Free. Best for children 6 and up; younger children welcome to participate with help from their adult. Help us celebrate with a read aloud of The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins, presented by our guest reader Clara Schuhmacher of DUMBO BID! Join us for the story and an activity, while also learning about Census 2020. There will be Read Across Brooklyn events all day at other BPL branches. See the website for all the details.
Toddler Time: Shake, Rattle, and Read! at Mulberry Street NY Public Library (NoLita)
Fridays 1030a in March. Free. Join us to hear stories, sing songs, and get those wiggles out as you help your active children build important early learning skills. Discover ways to promote early literacy at home and meet other caregivers in the neighborhood. Suggested for babies, toddlers and their caregivers.
Hatched Returns at The Ailey Studio Theater (Hell’s Kitchen)
Friday-Saturday March 6th-7th 11a. Tickets: $15/low-income general ticket, $30/general ticket. Great for ages 0-6, Hatched is the story of a newborn chick who emerges from her shell to a strange, and busy world. The chick is met by a feisty old rooster, a newly born calf learning to walk, a baby lamb and a noisy nest of baby birds. Performed through movement, live music, puppets, and very little human dialogue, the story is set amidst a playful American family farm. Intimately staged, young audience members are encouraged to interact with the newborn animals as they explore their worlds. Audience members interact and play with the characters on stage; they give the chicks their feed, milk bottles to the lamb, are licked by the cow, and feed worms to the baby birds. Hatched is a beautiful tale, told through exquisite visuals, music, and the exploration of baby animals on the farm. Purchase tickets here.
Drumfolk at The New Victory Theater
Fridays 7p, Saturdays 2p & 7p and Sundays 12n & 5p until March 15th. Tickets start at $17. For everyone 7 and up. Runnint time: 1 hour and 35 minutes including one intermission. Powerful. Precise. Persistent. Political. The drum is talking. The music is calling. When Africans lost the right to use their drums, the beats found their way into the body of the people—the DRUMFOLK. New percussive art forms took root and made way for tap, beatboxing and the African American tradition of stepping. From hambone to hip-hop, an extraordinary ensemble of dancers, drummers and musicians takes us from West Africa to Washington, D.C., to reveal the hidden histories and resounding rhythms that transformed America.
See all the Friday events here.
Saturday March 7th
Navroz with Aga Khan Ismaili Muslim Community of New York at Children’s Museum of Manhattan (UWS)
Saturday March 7th 10a-4p. Free with Museum admission. Join the volunteers from the Ismaili Muslim Community in celebrating the festival of Navroz through music and crafts in CMOM’s latest exhibit Inside Art. The festival of Navroz commemorates a centuries-old custom that, over time, was integrated into various cultures and faith traditions. Navroz is celebrated in many parts of the Middle East and Central and South Asia, particularly among peoples influenced by Persian and Turkic civilizations. In countries such as Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, Navroz is observed as a public holiday. See the website for the schedule of events.
Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo Jazz For Kids Duo Series at National Sawdust (Williamsburg)
Saturday March 7th 11a. Advance tickets: $20/adults, $5/kids. Purchase tickets here. In Timbalooloo, instruments come to life and speak through their music, encouraging children to conceive of playing music as performing the magical act of making their instrument talk! The Timbalooloo Monthly Duo Series at National Sawdust features Oran Etkin with his sidekick Clara Net (Etkin’s clarinet) meeting a new instrument friend from around the world each month. The concerts are highly interactive — children will be singing along, drumming, and learning new dances as they become friends with Clara Net and her instrument friends from around the world, excited and empowered to create music themselves. This month Clara meets Kora, a West African harp played by Yacouba Sissoko. Hailing from Mali, Sissoko descends from 21 generations of griot, traditional musicians and storytellers who keep the oral history of their culture.
LC Kids: Michael & The Rockness Monsters at David Rubenstein Atrium (UWS)
Saturday March 7th 11a. Free. Recommended for Ages 2-5. Performance length: approximately 1 hour. Michael & The Rockness Monsters present an interactive, super galactic, funk-inspired, rock ‘n’ roll experience for families at this energetic and quirky concert. Filled with humorous hooks and catchy melodies, their music will electrify and inspire a whole new generation of music lovers.
Bee Parks and the Hornets at Central Brooklyn Public Library
Saturday March 7th 1-2p. Free. Location: Dweck Center. The Hornets perform high-energy shows that combine rockin’ music, puppetry, and audience participation to inspire young people to get up and move — both with their feet and in their communities. With all-original songs that promote kindness, equality, self-confidence, social justice, environmental awareness and dancing your heart out, Bee Parks and the Hornets take audience members of all ages on a musical adventure that will open up spirits and imaginations.
Family Fun: Irish Dance at Mark Morris Dance Center (Fort Greene)
Saturday March 7th 530-630p. $30/family of 2-3,, $40/family of 4-6. Learn the basics of Irish dance in this exciting class that uses traditional dance reels to understand the unique sounds of Irish music. Your family will learn solo steps and group dances (Ceili).
See all the Saturday events here.
Sunday March 8th
4th Annual Brooklyn Camp Expo at Williamsburg Northside Lower School
Sunday March 8th 1-4p. Free. Please join the A Child Grows in Brooklyn community for the 4th Annual Brooklyn Camp Expo at Williamsburg Northside Lower School (299 N. 7th Street) – presented by A Child Grows in Brooklyn. This is a FREE family-friendly event for parents looking for summer camps, holiday camps and after school programs for their children. Camp and after school program directors will be onsite to talk to parents about all the wonderful things their programs have to offer local families. Games and Prizes – Camp Rebates! Gift Bag Registration Closed But There Will Still Be Great Swag at the Event. Just Come!
Community Purim Carnival and Megillah Reading at Congregation Beth Elohim (Park Slope)
Sunday March 8th 9a-1p. All-access kids passes for games and activities at the door $25. Bring the whole family to our West Side Story themed Purim Carnival! We’ll have a bounce house, carnival games, crafts, face painting, puppet show, hamantaschen, yummy treats, and more! There will be special activities for older kids in the Rotunda as well. At 11:30 AM, join our whole clergy team for a parade, Megillah reading, and West Side Story songs, Purim-style! Don’t forget to spring ahead one hour—it’s daylight savings time!
Purim Community Celebration at JCC Brooklyn Clinton Hill
Sunday March 8th 10a-12n. Free with RSVP. RSVP here. Open to the community! Members and nonmembers. We joyfully invite you to celebrate Purim on Sunday with costumes, crafts, snacks, songs, stories, dancing and lots of family fun for children ages 0-4! Featuring music, costume parade, hamentashen, PJ Library books, and more!
Author Sunday Story Time: Joni w/Selina Alko at Powerhouse on 8th (Park Slope)
Sunday March 8th 1130a. Free. Celebrate the captivating life of Joni Mitchell, the world-famous songbird who used her music to ignite and inspire an entire generation, in this stunning picture book biography from award-winning author and illustrator Selina Alko.
The Little Orchestra Society at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)
Sunday March 8th 4p & 5p. Pay as you wish hours on Sundays from 4-7p. Join The Little Orchestra Society in an interactive musical workshop that explores the music of different cultures around the world and engages audiences through movement, song, composition, and an introduction to world instruments. Sessions accommodate up to 25 participants on a first-come, first served basis.
See all the Sunday events here.
All Weekend
LOS KIDS: “Rodgers & Hammerstein – Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’ ” at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (UES) [sponsored]
Saturday March 7th 10a & 1130a and Sunday March 8th 10a, 1130a & 1p. Tickets: start at $16. Join us at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College for another imaginative season of L.O.S. KIDS and come hear beloved music written by some of the world’s most iconic composers! The Orchestra’s 2019-20 concert season features the fifth year of the L.O.S. KIDS series, performing dynamic repertoire and incorporating multiple art forms with a variety of artists to create meaningful musical experiences for today’s audiences. This year’s programs are bringing to life the music of Mozart, Stravinsky, Ravel & Debussy, and Rodgers & Hammerstein for a new generation! March 7th-8th: “Rodgers & Hammerstein – Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’ ” Program also includes: The Sound of Music, Carousel, Oklahoma!
Bye Bye Birdie at The Mark O’Donnell Theater (Downtown Brooklyn)
Saturday March 7th 330p & 630p and Sunday March 8th 330p. Tickets: $20. DESCRIPTION: Join BAL for our Musical Ensemble production of Bye Bye Birdie! BAL’s talented cast of young people will mesmerize audiences with their incredible singing, dancing and strong acting skills in this latest production. BAL’s process incorporates a child-centered approach, giving the young performers choices in developing characters, on-stage movement and dance steps, resulting in a unique theatrical experience. Details: The story, set in the late 50’s, parodies the fan fervor that erupted when Elvis Presley received his draft notice from the U.S. Army. With the book by Michael Stewart and music and lyrics by Charles Strause and Lee Adams, Bye Bye Birdie features toe-tapping hit songs such as “The Telephone Hour,” “Just Put on a Happy Face,” “One Last Kiss” and, of course the title song, “Bye Bye Birdie.”
Zoom! Zap! Zow! A Superpower Celebration at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)
Saturday-Sunday March 7th-8th 11a-5p with events at various times. See website for schedule. Free with Museum admission. We all have superpowers – what are yours? Join us for Zoom! Zap! Zow! to discover new superpowers and become your own superhero. Come dressed as your favorite superhero, or show up ready to create an alter ego. Superheroes often draw on animals, plants, and the natural world for their superpowers. Take inspiration from BCM’s natural science specimens, learn about adaptation and camouflage from our amazing live animals, and discover geologic wonders from the Museum’s collection of rocks and minerals. Then join us in ColorLab to pick a power, think up your origin story, and design an accessory. Make creative capes and marvelous masks and join the next generation of superheroes!
Take A Closer Look—At Spring! in Prospect Park Zoo
Saturdays-Sundays 10a-4p in March & April. Free with Zoo admission. Signs of spring are everywhere as animals at the Prospect Park Zoo and in your own backyard wake up from their winter sleep. Join us every weekend in March and April to celebrate spring and learn how to be an urban scientist.
Alice in Wonderland at Puppetworks (Park Slope)
Saturdays-Sundays 1230p & 230p until April 5th. For 3y+. Admission for a Child is $10, an Adult $11. No credit cards accepted. Reservations are suggested: 718-965-3391 (current day or advance reservations) or e-mail us: puppetworks@twcmetrobiz.com (NO same day e-mail reservations). Lewis Carroll’s English Adventure with an original song score. Adapted for Marionettes by Nicolas Coppola & Adam Kilgour.
Survival: The Exhibition at NY Hall of Science
Daily until September 13th. Hours: Monday – Friday, 930a-5p, Saturday & Sunday, 10a-6p. $7 per person, plus NYSCI admission. Free for Members. Become the ultimate survival expert. Test your survival skills. Learn how to build shelter in the forest, find water in the desert, stay warm in the extreme cold. Plus, learn water safety and emergency preparations. Survival culminates in the Adventure Zone Ropes Course and Zip Line, where visitors’ confidence and problem-solving skills are put to the test. Course obstacles and activities teach balance, focus, coordination and concentration while building resilience and determination in the face of adversity. See the website for all the details. Also check out School’s Out Week: Engineering Week at NY Hall of Science ongoing until February 23rd. See website for all the details.
Ed Center in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3-5p and also Saturdays and Sundays from 1–5p. Location: Pier 1. Free. The Ed Center is open for free, drop-in hours three afternoons a week! Get to know Brooklyn Bridge Park with our 250 gallon aquarium filled with critters from the East River, a 10’ scale model of Brooklyn Bridge Park, crafts, a reading corner, and much more!
The Industry City Ice Rink (Sunset Park)
Wednesdays-Thursdays 4-8p, Fridays 11a-8p, Saturdays 10a-8p and Sundays 10a-5p. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under, with skate rentals costing $9. Tickets can be purchased on site at IC Ice Rink in courtyard 5/6. The Industry City Ice Rink opens November 30 and welcomes guests to join for an iconic winter experience every Wednesday to Sunday with ice skating theme parties on Fridays + Saturdays. The rink is outside and uncovered, so dress appropriately for an enjoyable and comfortable skate. If you come at a popular time and there’s a line, there are plenty of other activities to fill your time while you wait. Pop into our game room, browse + shop The Makers Guild, hang by the fire pit or grab a drink inside any of our brewers and distillers. See website for all the details.
T. rex: The Ultimate Predator at American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
Daily 10a-545p until August 9th 2020. Timed entry only. Gallery 3, third floor. General Admission + One tickets: Adult $28 / Child (2-12) $16.50 / Senior & Student $22.50. Free for members. How did T. rex evolve to become the most fearsome carnivore of the Mesozoic? T. rex: The Ultimate Predator will introduce you to the entire tyrannosaur superfamily and reveal the amazing story of the most iconic dinosaur in the world through stunning life-sized models, fossils and casts, engaging interactives, and an immersive multiplayer virtual reality experience developed exclusively for this exhibition. Warning: you may never think of T. rex the same way again.
Film Forum Jr. Matinee at the Film Forum (Lower East Side)
Saturdays-Sundays at 11a until March 15th. ALL TICKETS $9. Advance tickets on sale at the box office and online. Most programs appropriate for ages 5 and up. Classics For Kids and Their Families! March 7th-8th Jim Henson’s MUPPET TREASURE ISLAND